FAQ

What is the Climate Action Pledge (CAP)?

The Climate Action Pledge (CAP) is an initiative to engage foundations and philanthropists in decisive action to help reverse global warming and support a healthy, ecologically-balanced future, through strategic grant-making and bold investments. The Pledge is designed to double the amount of philanthropic funding directed to climate philanthropy over the course of a year – moving it from approximately $500 million to $1 billion.

Is there an actual “Pledge” to sign?

There is not a specific statement that must be signed. Rather, donors are asked to make a statement of commitment and to indicate what actions they will take to meet their commitment. This might be in the form of grants, programs, investments, or some other action. A template is available for those who would like to use it.

How will Pledges be tracked?

Working with the Foundation Center, we will track grant information that is provided as well as other financial commitments that are shared with us. We strongly encourage all donors involved in climate philanthropy to provide information about their activities to help us provide a more complete picture of what is happening and where gaps remain.

Is there a minimum amount required to join the CAP?

There is not a minimum amount required. We strongly encourage foundations and individuals to think strategically across all areas of their programmatic work and investments and identify ways they can maximize their efforts to help combat climate change and reduce global warming. Those that pledge $250,000 or more toward climate action will be featured on the CAP platform. Those that pledge $10m or more will receive special recognition.

How are you defining ‘climate philanthropy’?

‘Climate philanthropy’ includes all philanthropic efforts that seek to substantially reduce our human carbon footprint and global warming. The CAP is informed by the comprehensive, science-based, substantive solutions to global warming highlighted by Project Drawdown.

What steps is the CAP taking to reach its stated goal?

To support the goal, we will actively promote greater awareness of a diverse range of achievable “solutions” to both donors and the broader public. We will also encourage collaboration, information-sharing and public accountability through a pledge-tracking mechanism, strategic use of media and knowledge platform to inform public understanding, as well as through a series of thought-provoking events designed to engage philanthropists. The CAP will collect, curate and encourage knowledge, action and investment across the climate philanthropy sector.

Why should philanthropy focus on climate change?

We believe that climate change is the defining challenge of our time and that philanthropy has a pivotal role to play in shaping the discourse on global warming. Philanthropy can also play a crucial role in supporting innovation, providing essential ‘risk capital’ to test new approaches, and promote a vision of a healthy, ecologically-balanced future.

Who is supporting the Climate Action Pledge?

The CAP is an initiative of The Global Friends with support from the TSE Foundation. The Global Friends represents an emergent coalition of philanthropists committed to tackling the most urgent challenges of this century. We welcome engagement with philanthropists who are interested in joining the new conversation.